Having recovered from a 34-16 deficit to lead 34-37, with just under 10 minutes remaining, Bees shipped three tries in the final five minutes to lose a roller-coaster of a game at Worthing Raiders’ Roundstone Lane ground.

In sunny conditions, perfect for open rugby, Bees had the better of the game's opening exchanges and with barely two minutes on the clock were rewarded for their efforts when fly half Max Rodman made an incisive break, before feeding full back Corey Venus to go over for the opening try of the game. Jack Jolly, scrum half and captain, was unsuccessful with the conversion, so Bees led 5-0.

Worthing Raiders were beginning to see more of the ball, and after 8 minutes were rewarded with their first points, when fly half Matt McLean slotted home a penalty.

Both sides were intent on playing open and attacking rugby, and just before the end of the first quarter Worthing managed to score two tries. The first of which started with a neat kick through by McLean. The Raiders secured possession of the loose ball, before going through a number of phases which ultimately led to Liam Perkins, No. 8 and captain, forcing his way over to give his side an 8-5 lead. McLean missed the conversion attempt.

Raiders secured possession on the restart and their fly half kicked high into the Bees 22. The ball was dropped by Bees, enabling Raiders winger Curtis Barnes to sprint over for a try which was converted by McLean, extending the home side’s lead to 15-5. Bees were next with points on the scoreboard, when Jolly's 22nd minute penalty went over after hitting a post

With 6 minutes left before the break, Bees managed to lose possession at the back of an attacking scrum. The ever-alert Raiders scrum half, Matt Walsh, grabbed the ball and sprinted for 30 or 40 yards before feeding McLean to go over for the Raider's 3rd try of the afternoon. The extra two points were duly added by McLean, making the score 22-8 in favour of the home side.

A Jolly penalty for Bees made the half time score, Worthing Raiders 22 Bees 11 - a score that rather flattered the home side, with Bees gifting them 14 points through basic errors.

The second half began with an error, but this time it was Worthing who kicked the ball dead. Raiders managed to take the ball against the head at the resulting scrum, putting them on the front foot. It was, however, Bees next to score when in the 49th minute, Rodman intercepted a loose Raiders pass 40 metres out and had the necessary pace to go over for a try, Jolly missed the resulting conversion, leaving the score at 22 -16.

Some 5 or so minutes later, Worthing won quick ball at a scrum in the Bees half. The ball was moved both quickly and accurately to inside centre Jack Forrest, whose clever footwork and electric pace enabled him to score the Raider's 4th and bonus point try of the afternoon. McLean missed the conversion, so the score was now Worthing Raiders 27 Bees 16. All seemed lost for Bees, when 5 minutes later Forrest latched on to a deft inside pass to go over for his second and the Raiders 5th try of the afternoon. McLean nailed the conversion to make the score 34-16 in the home side’s favour.

With just under a quarter of the game remaining Bees suddenly came to life, with three converted tries in the space of 10 minutes. Firstly, No. 8 Umraan Jadwat picked up a loose ball, some way out, before galloping over for a try. 3 minutes later another powerful break from Jadwat led to winger, Dan Kelly running in a well taken try. This was Bees 4th and bonus point try. Replacement back, Luke Smith then powered over for Bees 5th and final try of the afternoon. So, at the end of this remarkable sequence of play, Bees led 37-34 with 7 minutes plus injury time remaining on the clock.

Unfortunately, this was as good as it got for Bees. In the closing minutes of the game they lost concentration. The speedy Raiders took full advantage of the situation, firstly open side, John Dawe went over for an unconverted try. This was followed quickly by McLean, Raiders mercurial fly half, scoring his second try of the afternoon, which he managed to convert. To add salt to Bees wounds, Dawe went over for his second and the Raiders 8th try of the day in the 79th minute to make the final score Worthing Raiders 51 Bees 37.

From Bees perspective it is not very often they come across a team with such skilful and pacey backs, but with better game management they could well have come away with a win this weekend.

Credit to Worthing Raiders who outscored Bees 8 tries to 5 and deserved their win, playing the game as it should be played. Pete Glackin’s side welcome Redruth to Portway this Saturday 6th October KO 2pm.

Worthing Raiders v Bees: 15. Venus (T), 14. Kelly (T), 13. Nunney, 12. Tilsley, 11. Dight, 10. Rodman (T), 9. Jolly (2 P, 3 C), 1. Foreman, 2. Garner, 3. Payne, 4. Weaver 5. Wright,
6. Scriven, 7. Brown, 8. Jadwat (T). Replacements: 16. Charlie Brabham, 17. Stewart Pearl, 18. Keanan Cooper, 19. Sean O'Sullivan & 20. Luke Smith (T)

Referee:- Calum Howard; AR1, Andrew Jackson; AR2, Alan Londesbrough.